"Horrific act of violence...": Pickup Truck Drives Into Crowd in New Orleans, Leaving at Least 15 Dead and Dozens Injured

At least 15 people were killed, and dozens more were injured when a pickup truck drove into a crowd early on New Year's Day in the southern U.S. city of New Orleans. The driver also opened fire at the crowd, leading to an exchange of gunfire with police. The incident occurred in the French Quarter, a popular district in the city known for its nightlife, bars, and jazz history.

The crash took place around 3:15 AM local time, during a time when the area was bustling with revelers celebrating the New Year. The driver of the pickup truck intentionally drove at high speed into the crowd at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Street, according to officials. Police described the driver as "hell-bent on creating carnage."

FBI Takes Over Investigation as 'Act of Terrorism'

The FBI has taken operational command of the investigation and is treating the incident as an "act of terrorism." In a statement, the FBI confirmed that a suspected explosive device had been found at the scene, although further details about the device were not immediately disclosed. The driver was shot and killed following a confrontation with police. The FBI’s statement read, "This morning, an individual drove a car into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing a number of people and injuring dozens of others. The subject then engaged with local law enforcement and is now dead. The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism."

Police Description of the Attack

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the attack as highly intentional. "This man, this perpetrator, he fired on our officers from his vehicle when he crashed his vehicle. Two of our officers have been shot. They are stable... He was hell-bent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did," Kirkpatrick said. The truck was driven at a "very high speed," she added, emphasizing the deliberate nature of the attack.

Emergency authorities reported that 30 people were injured, with 10 confirmed fatalities. "The 8th District is currently working a mass casualty incident involving a vehicle that drove into a large crowd on Canal and Bourbon Street," New Orleans' emergency response team, NOLA Ready, said on their website. The statement further confirmed that the New Orleans Emergency Medical Services (NOEMS) had transported the injured to local hospitals.

Witness Accounts and Gunfire Exchange

Witnesses described the chaotic scene as the truck rammed through a barricade and struck the crowd. "A white truck crashed through a barricade at a high rate of speed," said Jim and Nicole Mowrer, two witnesses who were in the area at the time. "Once it was past us, we did hear gunfire, saw police running that direction... Once the gunfire stopped, we stayed in the alcove until the gunfire stopped, came out into the street, and came across a lot of -- several people who had been hit," Nicole Mowrer added.

Following the crash, the driver reportedly jumped out of the truck and began exchanging gunfire with law enforcement officers. The situation escalated quickly, but the authorities were able to contain the scene shortly after the gunfire stopped.

Response and Investigation

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry condemned the incident, calling it a "horrific act of violence." The incident took place in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter, just days before the city was set to host the prestigious Sugar Bowl football game between the University of Georgia and Notre Dame. The New Orleans Police Department had already ramped up staffing with an additional 300 officers, as well as unmarked units and officers on horseback, to ensure public safety for the New Year celebrations.​